The Los Angeles Lakers' offseason has already begun, and they can officially cross a big name off their list of offseason targets. The Lakers have long been linked to Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner, but perhaps no longer.
While he was expected to re-sign with the Pacers this summer, his play during the Finals proves it will be no big loss for the Lakers if he returns to Indy. Turner has been largely ineffective against the Oklahoma City Thunder thus far, with him struggling on the glass and clanking three after three.
Through the team's first five NBA Finals games, he is shooting just 5 of 23 from three. His unsightly, offensive play has likely thrown water on any Lakers' attempt to land him. Instead, they could look for several bargain options in free agency to address their biggest need, which is at center.
The Los Angeles Lakers shouldn't target Miles Turner this summer
Considering that Turner is among the league's best shot blockers and one of the most consistent 3-point-shooting centers, it's easy to see why Lakers fans wanted him. Nevertheless, he could still command between $25 million and $30 million a season this summer, and the Pacers can afford to re-sign him using Bird rights.
That makes it highly unlikely that he would play elsewhere next season, although he has frequently appeared on the trade block over the course of his 10-year career. That could ultimately prove to be a good thing for Los Angeles, with them limited financially.
They likely will only have the taxpayer mid-level exception worth $5.6 million to work with, and while that won't get them a top-tier big man, they still have a few options.
The Lakers have several cheap alternatives
Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela has been linked to the Lakers and could potentially be had for the taxpayer MLE. He doesn't have the range that Turner does, but is more effective as a rim runner, making him an ideal fit to play alongside Luka Dončić.
Other potential options include stretch centers such as Luke Kornet and Brook Lopez, both of whom are 7'0" and can knock down threes. They could also add more contract-friendly big men, such as Bismack Biyombo. This is after he played surprisingly well for the San Antonio Spurs this season.
Ultimately, despite Los Angeles previously being linked to Turner, his play during the Finals might give them pause. Additionally, considering his price range, the Lakers will likely look elsewhere this summer, with several cheaper options potentially yielding better results.